Controlled Colours: natural dyes, professional dyers and trading of dyes as a part of societal change (1400–1850)
Table of contents
Project description
In the research project "Controlled Colours", we focus on the importance of natural dyes, artisanal dyers and traders - such as apothecaries and local merchants - in Europe from the 15th to the mid-19th century. The production, trade and use of dyed textiles were highly regulated: consumption and the professions that possessed dyeing know-how were regulated, while the costume of different social groups and the use of dyed textiles were controlled by cultural norms and the meanings attached to colours. In addition, material culture was influenced by economy and finances. By studying these themes, we can, among other things, address the development of consumer culture, the growth of wealth and the broader social changes that underpinned them in the long term. The results of our multidisciplinary and multi-sited research project will challenge previous perceptions of a people dressed in grey, as suggested by popular culture. The project will create a more colourful picture of the lives of people from the past.
